Zl1, 427

[Herb E.]

I put one of the Anniversary addition ZL1, 427 motors in my '67 Vette. The motor now has 1,600 miles on it and it is a very good driving motor. However, I just started noticing an unusual amount of oil consumption. It has burned 3 quarts of oil in the last 600 miles. I'm wondering if anyone else out there is driving one of these motors and also experiencing high oil consumption? I just started to check a few things: The PCV hose is dry. I took one of the spark plugs out. It has a good light grey color, but does have some oil on its threads and around the gasket. There are no noticeable oil leaks. The motor sat in its crate for 7 years before being installed in car. I have been using the recommended 5W30 oil for break in. No noticeable white smoke coming out of side pipes during start up or during acceleration. As you can see in attached picture, I have installed a set of after market valve covers. Any suggestions? Herb

[Stuart F.]

Re: Zl1, 427

Now that is truly a thing of beauty. Hope you get some good replies and can find out the source of your oil consumption.

Stu Fox

[Joe L.]

Re: Zl1, 427

I put one of the Anniversary addition ZL1, 427 motors in my '67 Vette. The motor now has 1,600 miles on it and it is a very good driving motor. However, I just started noticing an unusual amount of oil consumption. It has burned 3 quarts of oil in the last 600 miles. I'm wondering if anyone else out there is driving one of these motors and also experiencing high oil consumption? I just started to check a few things: The PCV hose is dry. I took one of the spark plugs out. It has a good light grey color, but does have some oil on its threads and around the gasket. There are no noticeable oil leaks. The motor sat in its crate for 7 years before being installed in car. I have been using the recommended 5W30 oil for break in. No noticeable white smoke coming out of side pipes during start up or during acceleration. As you can see in attached picture, I have installed a set of after market valve covers. Any suggestions? Herb

Herb------


With the kind of oil consumption you describe (i.e. 1 quart in 200 miles), I'm amazed that there is not significant smoking, at least under certain engine operating conditions.

To be honest, I do not have a lot of confidence in the effectiveness of the "breather cap" only engine ventilation system, even though that system is used with the stock valve covers.

[Gene M.]

Re: Zl1, 427

Herb,
What do the tail pips look like? Excessive carbon build up? Also check the coolant for oil. Any oil drops (more than normal) when parked? Wipe down the entire bottom of the engine/bell housing with a clean white cloth. Clean oil may not show up well unless you go looking for it. The white cloth tells all if it's there. Try oil with more body, 5w30 sounds a bit thin. I always use 10w30 Brad Penn break in oil. That modern thin stuff, not so much..........